Raceland pedestrian robs man who offered him a ride in bad weather

2 charged with murder in weekend homicide
May 14, 2019
Let it fly: Father, daughter use drones to showcase our area on social media
May 15, 2019
2 charged with murder in weekend homicide
May 14, 2019
Let it fly: Father, daughter use drones to showcase our area on social media
May 15, 2019

A local good Samaritan wanted to offer a man a ride on Saturday to avoid the incoming bad weather.

He allegedly proceeded to rob the do-gooder, before being quickly arrested and taken into custody.

At around 9:15 a.m. on Saturday morning, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 4700 Block of La. Highway 1 in Mathews in reference to a reported robbery.


The first deputy to arrive in the area noticed a man walking along the highway fitting the description of the reported suspect. Authorities made quick contact with him and detained him with help from the Louisiana State Police.

The suspect was identified as Jonathan McDowell, 26, and he was taken into custody less than five minutes after the call was made.

Authorities made contact with the victim who was reportedly driving on La. Highway 1 when he noticed the suspect walking along the highway.


The weather on Saturday was bad, so the man decided to stop and offer the suspect a ride.

As he approached McDowell, the victim reportedly struck a puddle, causing water to splash onto the suspect.

This angered the suspect and when the man stopped the vehicle, McDowell allegedly approached the victim and immediately started arguing before trying to punch the man.


He then allegedly opened the victim’s door, trying to pull him out the vehicle. He managed to pull off the driver’s shoes and pants, then grabbed the victim’s wallet, before fleeing the scene.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to his involvement in the crime.

He was arrested and charged with simple robbery and simple battery.


Bond is set at $26,500.

Jonathan McDowell